When the pipes have burst and you need a plumber right now, you don’t want to have to play phone tag with dozens of companies while trying to find the best deal. That is why you need to know which questions are best for sniffing out a quality plumbing professional. Otherwise, you might end up choosing someone who isn’t worth your time and money.
Here are 5 questions to ask before hiring a plumber:
1. Do You Have Insurance or a License?
When you are looking for a “plumbing company near me,” there is one question you should always ask. Any decent plumbing company is going to have technicians who are insured, bonded, and licensed. Don’t accept anyone who isn’t covered.
You want contractors who are licensed and insured, because it protects you from any unforeseen expenses should something, like an injury, happen. If a contractor doesn’t have insurance, you are forced to pay their medical bills.
2. Do You Use Subcontractors?
This might seem like a weird question to ask a plumber, but in some companies, their employees are outsourced. This enables companies to get multiple jobs done at the same time. It’s good for them, but it could be problematic for you. After all, you want to know who is going to be knocking on your door.
The best way to ensure your plumbing problems are going to be repaired is to ask if they use subcontractors. If they do, ask if those subcontractors have the qualifications and experience needed. The outsourced plumbers should have the same level of experience and be licensed and bonded. If they aren’t, take your business somewhere else.
3. Do You Have References or Testimonials?
Usually, you will have seen a number of reviews about the company already. If you haven’t, check out the business profile on places like Yelp or Google Maps. Check out what previous customers have said.
You can cross-examine the plumbing company when you call. Ask about references or testimonials that they have available. If you can’t find any reviews online, ask about times the customer was dissatisfied and how the company handled it.
4. How Do You Calculate The Cost?
Plumbing companies all have their own pricing models. Some will use a fixed pay rate for some projects while others opt to charge hourly. Ask about what these rates entail. For instance, an hourly rate might include traveling time or include additional emergency fees if you call on the weekend.
Don’t forget to ask about how payment is accepted and whether you need a down payment.
5. Have You Done This Kind of Job Before?
Knowing that the plumber is going to come prepared for the burst pipe or leaks is going to give you peace of mind. One way to determine if the plumber is right for the job is to ask if they have plenty of experience handling your exact problem. An inexperienced plumber may not understand the task and could do more damage.
Conclusion
One day, you will be forced to call a plumbing company for assistance. When that happens, make sure you know what questions to ask. You will be able to connect with a professional plumbing company who can fix your plumbing issue swiftly.